My favorite part about living in the Richmond is being so close to both Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. Walking out my front door, I could take a right and walk through the Presidio to Baker Beach, or a left and walk through Golden Gate park to the many meadows and lakes.
I've encountered coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks. I've watched red tail hawks, owls, egrets, great blue herons and bats. And of course I've seen mice, rats and squirrels scampering about, likely avoiding the circling hawks overhead.
Every time I come across an animal, no matter how big or small, I stop and watch them. Sometimes they run away, but sometimes they don't.
The longest I ever sat with an animal was when I encountered a great horned owl on a low tree branch one early evening. I was on a run, listening to Metric radio on Pandora, when I noticed her. She must have heard the pitter patter of my feet on the pavement, because her head swung around to face me as I approached. I stopped in my tracks and pulled out my head phones. Her glowing yellow eyes watched me while as I stood underneath her branch. I could see her chest rise and fall, as she sat, her eyes locked on mine. I've heard that you're not supposed to make eye contact with most animals - that it's threatening to them. Although as she stared at me, I felt calm.
Another runner came around the corner, and distracted us both. Our eyes unlocked and I put my headphones back in. I ran the rest of the way home feeling slightly more at peace.
I think it's ok to eye-contact an owl. They're too wise to get threatened about all that.
ReplyDeleteNow that you have a fancy camera, maybe you'll get some good pics.
ReplyDelete